180 Degree Rule

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The 180 Degree Rule

The 180 degree rule is a basic media guideline regarding the on-screen relationship between two characters. An imaginary straight line called the axis connects the two characters and the camera stays on one side of the axis so the audience have a clear understanding of what’s going on. The object/person being filmed must always remain in the centre while the camera must always face the object. If this rule is broken it can disorientate the audience, this would be useful in a horror or thriller film.

This schematic shoes the axis between two characters and the 180° arc on which cameras may be positioned (green) When cutting from green arc to the red arc, the characters switch places on the screen. 

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